AN: I'm back! *hears crickets chirping* Okay, so pardon my Jap, cause I'm just learning so the phrases might be really bad. I don't want to offend anyone, so if you do speak fluent Jap, I don't mind if you correct me (just don't kill me). ANYWAYS, from the wise words of the Doctor, ALLONS-Y!
The Princess of Light
I: Around the World in Eighty Days
The chance which now seems lost may present itself at the last moment.
- Jules Verne
August 25th, 1998: Fisherman's Horizon, Japan
The Tilmitts stood along the docks filled with students preparing to travel by airship towards the Celestial Academy which was located North East of Fisherman's Horizon and would take several hours to arrive. Rinoa and Selphie stood next to each other in their matching school uniforms with consisted of a plain white dress shirt and a knee length black pleated skirt.
"Be careful girls" Mrs. Tilmitt sobbed, hugging Selphie and Rinoa tight "take care of each other"
"We'll see you girls at the end of the school year" Mr. Tilmitt beamed at the two carefully prying the girls from his wife's arm and giving them hugs.
"Don't worry mom! When we come back, we'll be powerful mages that can protect you!" Selphie jumped up attempting to look fierce.
Rinoa smiled shyly at them, nodding her head at her family. This was going to be her and Selphie's their first year away from home and she was terrified. Blinking back her stray tears she gazed up at the large airship docked at the last pier. She couldn't wait to attend Celestial Academy, apparently her parents had met there. She beamed at the thought and ran up to her adoptive parents one last time, hugging them.
"Let's go, Rin!" Selphie bounced excitedly, grabbing onto Rinoa's hand while giving her parents a peck on their cheeks and dragging her sister toward the awaiting airship with their luggage.
"Bye Mom and Dad, I love you!" Rinoa called back to them, giving them one last wave.
The airship was filled with chatting students, boys and girls, some their age and older. All were of mixed bred genes with the abilities to practice magic. There were Mermaids, Sprites, Vampires and several other beings with partial mage parentage.
Rinoa and Selphie sat down in an empty compartment and gazed out the windows. As more students filed in, their door opened again and a dark haired Fire Sprite with pigtails and soft amber eyes stepped through, peering at the girls through glasses.
"May I sit with you both?" She gave a shy smile as the two girls glanced at each other.
"Sure! My name's Selphie Tilmitt and this is my sis Rinoa!" Selphie stood up offering her hand to the girl
"Ami Sato" Her smile widened, shaking Selphie's hand "This will be my first year"
"Ours too, we can share a dorm since it's three to a room!" Rinoa nodded at Selphie's suggestion.
"Oh, that would be great" Ami giggled, blushing a bit "I was afraid I wouldn't make any friends here"
Selphie was about the respond, when the intercom buzzed loudly, followed by a piercing beep, and causing the kids to cover their eyes at the noise.
HEY, IS THIS PIECE OF CRA-
Rustling could be heard in the background and the sound of object falling to the floor at the same time.
HEY KIDS! YA'LL BETTER SIT DOWN AND BUCKLE UP! THIS IS YOUR CAPTAIN CID HIGHWIND AND WE'LL BE LEAVING SOON FOR THE ISLAND CLOSEST TO HEAVEN SOON SO YA'LL BETTER BEHAVE OR I'LL TURN THIS SHIP AROUND!
The girls looked at each other with widened eyes and giggled at the announcement, taking their seats and buckling up for departure.
Several compartments down from where the girls sat, was a group of four older students chatting amiably. They were all in their third year. Two fair-skinned female Elves sat beside each other, one was a crystal blue-eyed blonde with a high ponytail and two long fringes framing her face and silver rimmed glasses sat next and the other, a brunette with shoulder length hair and deep green eyes.
Across from the two girls sat a pair of Werewolves, a pale female with unruly short silver hair and an eye patch covering her left eye, leaving only one pale lavender eye visible, and her mate, a muscular dark-skinned male with long dark hair tide in a low ponytail and dark brown eyes.
"Hey Quisty, do you think more will show up this year?" The brunette Elf asked, turning her body to face her friend
"Hmmm…" the blonde Elf tapped her chin thoughtfully, "I hope so, it would be nice to meet more of them Xu."
"It would be awesome ya know" the male Werewolf commented, placing his arm around his mate "then you can all train together, ya know"
"Agreed" his mate nodded her head at Quistis.
"Raijin and Fujin are right" Xu agreed with two "if that prophecy is real, we're going to need a lot of power."
Quistis sighed and peered out the window to her right, subconsciously rubbing the small black birthmark on the inside of her left wrist. It was a tribal symbol in the shape of a dog, almost wolf-like. Her two Werewolf friends, sitting across from her would always joke about how she was meant to be one of them. She smile inwardly at the memories. "If only they knew how much responsibility it is."
August 25th, 1998: SoHo Metropolitan Hotel, Toronto, Canada
"Good morning Toronto, this is Scott Fox on Z 103.5 playing today's hit music. Right now we've got a hit from Lauryn Hill, Ex-Factor"
A pale feminine hand from under the white covers of the hotel bed shot out, slamming the snooze button of the alarm clock on the bedside table. The figure rose up from beneath the covers and glanced hard at the time, reading '5:30' with half blurred eyes and groaned.
"It's too early for a flight," she mumbled to herself, feeling extremely sluggish. "Why me?"
It could all be so simple
But you'd rather make it hard
Loving you is like a battle
And we both end up with scars
Tell me, who I have to be
To get some reciprocity
No one loves you more than me
And no one ever will
Once out of her bed, she walked towards her mirror and stared with her almond shaped eyes, a deep sapphire orbs. The slim woman rubbed her eyes and smoothed her crinkled pyjamas. Sighing from a lack of sleep, she walked into the bathroom changing out of her pyjamas and stepped into the shower.
Is this just a silly game
That forces you to act this way
Forces you to scream my name
Then pretend that you can't stay
Tell me, who I have to be
To get some reciprocity
No one loves you more than me
And no one ever will
After a few minutes, she was out of the shower, and dressed for her departure, slipping on a pair of black leggings and tank top. Standing in front of her mirror again, she smoothed her straight long jet black and blue highlight hair. Fixing her bangs out of her eyes she swept them to her left and zipped up her white hoodie.
August 25th, 1998: Centra Ruins, Centra
"Well now, what do we have hear? Back from the dead I see" A feminine voice sneered from the inner Castle ruins.
The hooded figure stood in front of a glowing circular orb, giving a visible view of inside the Highwind Airship. Raising her bony hands she focused her energy on the orb changing the scene to that of a young brunette with deep brown doe eyes.
"Little Rinoa is growing up I see" the figure commented "Once you've managed to develop those powers I can suck it right out of that pretty little head of yours."
"What now, Milady?" another voice, more masculine asked.
"Grr, we wait! Maybe it isn't such a bad thing that she survived" the female voice sneered.
With the flick of her wrist, the image disappeared off the orb and cast the ruins in complete darkness.
August 25th, 1998: Pearson Airport, Toronto, Canada
"Here we are Miss, Terminal 3, Gate 30!" the heavily accented taxi driver announced, pulling in towards the curb of the gate
"Thanks, keep the change" the sapphire-eyed woman replied, handing him the cash nonchalantly and exiting the cab with her luggage.
She walked up to the desk attendant and handed the young man her passport and placed her check-in bag on the conveyor belt to be weighed.
"Good morning Ms. Mei Taki, and welcome to Cathay Pacific Airlines"
"Morning Sir" she replied tiredly with a yawn, grabbing her bag.
"Just one bag?" The man smiled to her processing her papers. She nodded at him as he hand her passport back with a boarding pass attached. "Have a safe flight Miss, and thank you for choosing Cathay Pacific."
August 25th, 1998: Celestial Academy of Elemental Sorcery, The Island Closest to Heaven
By late afternoon several airships had arrived at the dock as Edea Kramer gazed out through the window of her office, peering at her school's grounds laid out in front of her. The sun setting past the horizon cast a beautiful orange glow across the Island calming the atmosphere. Dressed in a black silk kimono covered in lotus flowers, she stared longingly towards the shorelines of the island thinking about her students. Taking a deep breath, she spun around and left the room.
WAKE UP KIDS! THIS IS YOUR CAPTAIN CID HIGHWIND! WE'RE ABOUT TO LAND SOON SO EVERYONE NEEDS TO BUCKLE UP AND PREPARE FOR LANDING!
"We're here, Rin!" Selphie exclaimed, shaking the sleeping girl next to her "Wake up!"
Ami giggled at Selphie, taking off her glasses to rub her eyes clear of the sleep. Rinoa yawned loudly, stretching her arms above her head attempting to rid the soreness from the uncomfortable sleeping position. A small jolt from the airship signalled their landing onto the docks. They looked out their compartment, noticing the students starting to head out and make their way towards the large castle resting in the centre of the island.
Rinoa smoothed out her uniform, slightly wrinkled from her sleeping and she grabbed her satchel with Selphie and Ami. Heading towards the castle entrance with the hundreds of other students, the three girls stared at the castle in amazement at the well-kept ancient structure. Walking in as slow as they could while attempting to keep the pace of the other students they took in the finer details of the castle, everything from it's intricate oriental carvings to it's ancient paintings depicting the ancient Sorceress Wars.
O O O
Students piled into the Main Hall wearing their traditional school uniform consisting of a crisp white button down with black trousers for the boys and black pleated knee length skirts for the girls. The older students wore plain silk robes over their uniform either being green, blue, red, or purple with a matching tie. The Main Hall was divided into four separate sections. Each table houses a different set of students, depending on their robe colour.
"Hey, what's with the robes?" Selphie peered around the room, staring at the other students and frowned. "We never got any robes in our package."
"That's because their older, remember we received a small marble?" Selphie nodded at Ami. "We're supposed to drop it into that small fountain in the front and what ever colour it glows, it's our house"
"Uh… I still don't get it" Selphie frowned deeper at Ami's explanation
"There are four houses, and depending on your main magic skills, you'll be placed in that house."
"Ohhhhh…" Selphie nodded, encouraging Ami to continue.
"The Northern House of the Black Turtle have the green robes, The Eastern House of the Blue Dragon have the blue robes, The Western House of the White Tiger have purple robes, and the Southern House of the Vermillion Phoenix have red robes."
"Gotcha!"
The three girls lined up in the middle of the Main Hall with the rest of the new students waiting to be sorted. They stood quietly, focusing on the front of the room where the instructors sat on the raised platform with the Headmistress in the center.
Headmistress Edea stood up from her seat, peering down at her students and smiled. She cleared her throat and watched as the students settled down.
"Welcome to Celestial Academy of Elemental Sorcery where you will discover the great potential in which you possess. For those who are returning, I would like to congratulate you and wish you the best of luck on this year's success."
Thunderous claps erupted from the tables, welcoming the new students into the academy as they waited with anticipation, some more nervous than others for their time to be sorted into the proper house. The new students watched her intently with wide eyes, as they each clutched a small glass marble.
"Now, as I call your name, you shall step forward and drop small glass orb that was given to you in your package, into the fountain which will reveal your house. Are we clear?" Edea smiled at the children, chuckling lightly as their eager heads nodded in response.
Going alphabetically by last name, Edea called out the students names one by one. Each house cheered wildly when they welcomed a new member to their house.
"I can't take it anymore!" Selphie whispered to her friends, becoming nervous "I just want to get this part over with!"
"Don't worry Selph, it'll be our turn before you know it" Rinoa placed a hand on Selphie's shoulder giving her a reassuring squeeze.
RINOA HEARTILLY!
Rinoa gulped nervously, slowly making her way to the front. She clutched her marble, tightly in her palms, scared that it would slip from her grasp in front of everyone. Standing in front of the fountain, she squared her shoulders and looked at the headmistress with a timid smile. Comparing herself to the Headmistress, the lady oozed confidence and grace, something she herself, did not have.
"Are you ready, dear child?" Edea placed a delicate hand on Rinoa shoulders, comforting the young girl.
"Yes ma'am" Rinoa nodded confidently, attempting to look strong.
She dropped the small orb in to the fountain and watched as it glistened in the moonlight that shone through the glass ceiling. She stepped back and watched as the water glowed an eerie whirlpool of colour. Then, in a sudden flash of white light, blue smoke in the form of a dragon erupted from the water.
"Eastern House of the Blue Dragon!" Edea announced, followed by loud cheers coming from their table.
Rinoa turned back to look at Selphie and Ami as they cheered for her. She smiled at them, as Edea placed a delicate blue robe around her shoulders. A blush crept across her cheeks at the kind gesture and turned around to thank Edea. She quickly made her way over to the table at the back on the right side of the room. She sat at the closest empty seat, next to an older student with long dark hair and wine coloured eyes.
"Tifa Lockhart, second year." The older girl stuck her hand out and smirked
"Rinoa Heart-"
"I know." Rinoa smiled sheepishly "Welcome to the team, if you need help, feel free to ask"
"Thank you" She smiled back at older girl, grateful for the offer.
"So, tell me a little about yourself." Tifa asked, hoping to ease the timid girls nerves.
August 25th, 1998: Cardiff Bay, Wales
In the busy streets of Cardiff Bay, just beside the Roald Dahl Plass with a beautiful view casting over the docks, stood a lone figure in a white summer dress leaning on the bridge over-looking the ocean. The sun shone brightly, warming her peachy skin as the breeze blew softly through her loosely curled long platinum blonde hair with soft purple tips. She opened her eyes, revealing bright amethyst coloured irises.
The low buzz of a phone vibrating in her purse interrupted her thoughts, as she pulled it out, glared at the small screen and flipped it open.
"Hello, this is Celine Laveau speaking." She spoke softly with a hint of a Parisian accent
"Hey beautiful, I'll see you at the airport, okay?" a deep voice replied through the phone
"Lovely, I'll be there at eight" She grinned
"Goodbye, Love"
"Au revoir, mon Coeur" Closing her phone, she slipped it back into her purse
Checking her watch, she looked towards the parking lot and made her way towards the awaiting taxi car. With a finale glance over her shoulder she stepped in.
August 25th, 1998: Celestial Academy of Elemental Sorcery, The Island Closest to Heaven
AMI SATO
Selphie hugged Ami immediately noticing the girl was shaking bit. Tugging on her pigtails, she strode to the front and dropped her orb into the fountain. The colours started to swirl slowly an in quick flash red smoke in the form of a bird emerged and the Southern house cheered. Ami smiled as she received her red robe, turning back to give Selphie the thumbs up sign quickly.
SELPHIE TILMITT
Hearing her name, Selphie jumped, practically running to the front with a few other students chuckling at her. She quickly tossed her orb into the fountain and watched the colourful waters swirl in different direction. It only took a few seconds for green smoke to appear and the Northern house celebrated.
She twirled in her green robe and skipped towards her houses table. She was greeted by one of the older students. A tale Elf with long light brown plated hair wrapped in a pink bow with short bangs framing the sides of her face, and bright green eyes.
"My name is Aerith Gainborough, fourth year, and on behalf of the Northern House, I'd like to welcome you to our team" Selphie beamed at the older girl shaking her hand enthusiastically.
"Selphie Tilmitt, and I can't wait for classes to start!"
The ceremonies came to a close with the final two students, Reid Watts and Eric Zone joining the Eastern House. Dinner was served shortly after by Moombas carrying in trays of food to the tables.
O O O
Rinoa wandered down the First Year's dormitories, staring at the piece of paper in her hand. "Room 143" She bit her lower lip, deep in concentration at the several doors lined up along the hallway.
"Over here Rin!" Selphie called with her head peeking out from her dorm room. "They brought our luggage to our room. Ami's here too!"
Rinoa quickened her pace towards her sister and followed her into the room. Stopping at the doorway, her eyes widened at the sight before her at the luxurious accommodations the school provided for them. She slipped her shoes off and placed them on the rack near the door.
Three twin-sized beds lined up against the left side of the wall, each one had a bedside table and reading lamp. There was a large window on the far side and each girl had a closet across from their beds. A small fridge and microwave sat in the corner. Selphie had already placed herself in the middle bed and Ami to her left, which left Rinoa with the bed closest to the window on the right side.
"We've go a bit more than a week before classes start so we should get a good nights rest and explore tomorrow." Ami suggested, as she had already changed into her pyjamas. "Bathroom's through that first door next to the entrance"
"We have our own bathroom Rin! This is soooooo awesome!" Selphie exclaimed laying out haphazardly on her bed with her eyes closed and a huge smile on her face.
"Yeah, it's great" Rinoa breathed out from where she sat on the edge of her bed, still in awe of her surroundings.
Life with the Tilmitts was cozy, she had everything she needed and was grateful for. However, this castle was like a fairytale, and all she needed was a Prince Charming.
August 26th, 1998: Narita International Airport, Chiba, Japan
OHAYOU GOZAIMASU, NARITA KOKUSAI KŪKŌ E YOUKOSO IRASHAIMASE
Mei stepped through to immigration services and watched as the officer stamped her passport and then hand it back to her. She nodded her thanks and slipped it back into her bag. Walking towards the exit she slipped on a pair of Ray bans and stepped into one of the taxis lined up near the exits.
"Hilton hotel please" The woman spoke softly and the taxi driver nodded, glancing in his mirror once. 'I'm home.'